V&A East Storehouse and Norwich Castle Among Finalists for Museum of the Year Award
The V&A East Storehouse in London is widely regarded as a frontrunner for the prestigious Art Fund museum of the year award, the most esteemed prize in the UK cultural sector. This annual competition offers a substantial £120,000 to the winner, with £20,000 awarded to each of the other finalists, recognising innovation and excellence across the museum landscape.
Innovative Contenders Dominate the Shortlist
This year's shortlist is dominated by major cultural institutions that have undergone significant refurbishments or invested in new outposts. Jenny Waldman, director of the Art Fund, highlighted that all finalists have "innovated in different ways," showcasing diverse approaches to museum engagement and accessibility.
The V&A East Storehouse, based in the Olympic Park in Stratford, east London, opened in spring 2025 at a cost of £65 million. It aims to reimagine traditional storerooms by removing partitions, allowing visitors to see and breathe the same air as the objects, thereby breaking boundaries in museum design.
Other Notable Finalists and Their Contributions
Also on the shortlist is the Box in Plymouth, a £46 million museum and gallery described as the largest cultural centre in south-west England. Despite initial criticism for its design, it has shown significant success, contributing £244 million to the local economy and housing over 2 million items. Waldman praised its engagement with both national conversations and local communities, notably through its current Beryl Cook exhibition.
The Fitzwilliam Museum in Cambridge has been recognised for its inward-looking efforts, inviting artists like Glenn Ligon to interrogate the museum and create works in conversation with its collection. This approach, praised as a model for artist engagement, has enriched its exhibitions and public appeal.
The National Gallery marked its bicentenary year in 2025 with extensive initiatives, including a celebrated rehang, the reopening of the Sainsbury Wing, and a project led by Jeremy Deller that reached cities like Derry, Dundee, Llandudno, and Plymouth, demonstrating a commitment to nationwide outreach.
Accessibility and Community Focus
Norwich Castle Museum & Art Gallery, considered an outside bet, has undergone a refurbishment that its leadership claims makes it the most accessible castle in the country. Waldman emphasised that wheelchair users can now access the ramparts, opening up historical experiences for new generations.
Last year's winner was Beamish, the Living Museum of the North in County Durham, celebrated for its joyous and immersive exhibitions that bring the 1940s and 50s to life. The winner of this year's award will be announced on 25 June at a ceremony at the Cutty Sark in London, highlighting the ongoing vibrancy and innovation within the UK's museum sector.
